Using CommasCommas are used in our writing to allow the reader to pause. This keeps our words from running together. Commas are also used to show a change of thought. Commas help keep our different ideas seperate, making our writing easier for the reader to understand.We use commas in our writing:
  • to list three or more words or phrases in a series
    • I speak English, Japanese, and Spanish.

  • to organize large numbers
    • There are 920,000 Canadia immigrants in America.

  • to write dates
    • April 7, 2010

  • to show the exact words of a speaker
    • My mom said, "Take out the trash or you'll be sorry!"

  • to separate clauses and phrases
    • If everyone is kind, the world will be a better place
  • to set off a word, phrase, or clause that interrupts the main thought of a sentence. Commas used in this way do not change the meaning of the sentence
    • Pizza, as we all know, comes with a variety of toppings. At Henry's Pizza, for example, you may choose from over 40 different toppings!

  • in direct address. This is used when you want to separate the name of a person from the rest of the sentence
    • Jessica, listen to this great new song.


Practice using commas with the Save the Comma Game!